Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A virtual image generation system, comprising: a composite optical fiber that is a composite of a polarization-maintaining (PM) transmission fiber section and a non-PM scanning fiber section that is spliced to the PM transmission fiber section; a light source configured for injecting a linearly polarized light beam into the PM transmission fiber section, such that the linearly polarized light beam is emitted from the non-PM scanning fiber section; a mechanical scanning drive assembly to which the non-PM scanning fiber section is affixed, wherein the non-PM scanning fiber section is spliced to the PM transmission fiber section within the mechanical scanning drive assembly, and wherein the mechanical scanning drive assembly is configured for displacing the non-PM scanning fiber section to scan the emitted light beam; and a display subsystem configured for receiving the scanned light beam and, based on the scanned light beam, displaying an image.
This invention relates to a virtual image generation system designed to project high-quality images using a composite optical fiber structure. The system addresses challenges in maintaining polarization stability and precise beam scanning in fiber-based display technologies. The core component is a composite optical fiber combining a polarization-maintaining (PM) transmission fiber section with a non-PM scanning fiber section, spliced together. A light source injects a linearly polarized light beam into the PM fiber, which preserves polarization during transmission. The beam exits the non-PM fiber, which is affixed to a mechanical scanning drive assembly. This assembly displaces the non-PM fiber to scan the emitted light beam in a controlled pattern. The scanned beam is then directed to a display subsystem, which processes the beam to generate a visible image. The composite fiber design ensures polarization integrity during transmission while allowing flexible scanning in the non-PM section, improving image quality and stability. The mechanical drive assembly enables precise beam positioning, enhancing display resolution and performance. This system is particularly useful in compact, high-resolution display applications where polarization control and scanning accuracy are critical.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the display comprises a planar waveguide apparatus.
A system for augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) applications addresses the challenge of providing high-quality, immersive visual experiences while maintaining compact and lightweight hardware. The system includes a display apparatus designed to project images directly into a user's field of view, enhancing spatial awareness and interaction with virtual content. The display apparatus incorporates a planar waveguide apparatus, which efficiently guides light through a thin, flat structure to create a wide field of view without bulky optical components. This waveguide technology minimizes distortion and improves image clarity by reducing optical aberrations compared to traditional lens-based systems. The planar design allows for seamless integration into head-mounted devices, ensuring comfort and portability. Additionally, the system may include tracking mechanisms to align virtual content with the user's environment, enabling precise interaction with digital elements. The waveguide apparatus enhances brightness and contrast by optimizing light propagation, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This innovation improves user experience by delivering high-resolution, distortion-free visuals in a compact form factor, addressing limitations of conventional AR/VR displays.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the PM transmission fiber section comprises a cladding having a circularly asymmetrical cross-section.
A system for optical signal transmission includes a photonic microwave (PM) transmission fiber section designed to mitigate nonlinear effects in optical fibers. The PM transmission fiber section has a cladding with a circularly asymmetrical cross-section, which alters the propagation characteristics of light within the fiber. This asymmetry helps reduce nonlinear interactions, such as four-wave mixing and self-phase modulation, by disrupting the uniform modal distribution that typically exacerbates these effects. The fiber section is part of a larger optical transmission system that may include additional components like optical amplifiers, modulators, and detectors. The asymmetrical cladding design ensures that the fiber maintains high signal integrity over long distances, particularly in high-power or high-density optical communication networks. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring low-latency, high-bandwidth data transmission, such as telecommunications, data centers, and microwave photonics. The asymmetrical cladding structure can be achieved through various fabrication techniques, including chemical vapor deposition or extrusion processes, to precisely control the fiber's refractive index profile and geometric properties. This design enhances the fiber's performance by minimizing signal distortion and improving overall transmission efficiency.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the PM transmission fiber section comprises a circularly symmetrical cladding, and at least one additional element configured for inducing a strain in the cladding.
This invention relates to optical fiber systems, specifically addressing the challenge of maintaining polarization mode (PM) stability in fiber transmission. The system includes a PM transmission fiber section with a circularly symmetrical cladding, which is designed to minimize birefringence and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical signals. To enhance polarization control, the system incorporates at least one additional element that induces strain in the cladding. This strain modifies the fiber's refractive index profile, allowing for precise adjustment of polarization properties. The strain-inducing element may include mechanical, thermal, or acoustic actuators that apply controlled stress to the cladding. By dynamically adjusting the strain, the system compensates for environmental factors like temperature fluctuations or mechanical vibrations, ensuring stable polarization transmission. This approach improves signal integrity in high-performance optical communication and sensing applications where polarization fidelity is critical. The invention is particularly useful in fiber optic gyroscopes, interferometric sensors, and long-haul telecommunication links where polarization drift can degrade performance. The combination of a circularly symmetrical cladding with active strain control provides a robust solution for maintaining polarization stability in optical fibers.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical scanning drive assembly and the display are integrated into a head-worn unit, and the light source is contained in a remote control unit configured for being worn by end user remotely from the head-worn unit.
This invention relates to a head-worn display system with a remote light source, addressing the challenge of integrating compact, lightweight components while maintaining performance. The system includes a mechanical scanning drive assembly and a display integrated into a head-worn unit, which projects images or data directly into the user's field of view. The light source, which generates the visual content, is housed in a separate remote control unit worn by the user at a distance from the head-worn unit. This separation reduces the weight and bulk of the head-worn component, improving comfort and usability. The remote control unit communicates with the head-worn unit to synchronize light emission with the scanning drive assembly, ensuring accurate image formation. The system may also include a power source, control circuitry, and optical components to direct and modulate the light for display. The remote light source can be adjusted or controlled by the user, allowing for dynamic adjustments to brightness, color, or other display parameters. This design is particularly useful for augmented reality, virtual reality, or other wearable display applications where minimizing head-worn weight is critical.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the control unit is configured for being worn on the torso of the end user.
A wearable system for monitoring and managing physiological parameters of an end user is disclosed. The system addresses the need for continuous, non-invasive health monitoring, particularly for individuals requiring real-time tracking of vital signs such as heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature. The system includes a control unit designed to be worn on the torso, ensuring close proximity to the heart and lungs for accurate data collection. The control unit integrates sensors to detect physiological signals, a processing module to analyze the data, and a communication interface to transmit results to external devices. Additional components may include a power source, a user interface for feedback, and adjustable straps or attachments to secure the unit comfortably. The system may also incorporate algorithms to detect anomalies, such as irregular heart rhythms, and alert the user or a healthcare provider. By providing real-time monitoring and feedback, the system enhances personal health management and early detection of potential medical issues. The torso-mounted design ensures stability and consistent signal quality, improving reliability compared to wrist-worn or patch-based alternatives. The system may be used in clinical, fitness, or remote patient monitoring applications.
7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the control unit is configured for being worn on the waist of the end user.
A wearable system for monitoring and managing user posture and movement includes a control unit designed to be worn on the waist. The system detects and analyzes the user's posture and movement patterns in real-time using sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, or inertial measurement units (IMUs). The control unit processes sensor data to identify deviations from optimal posture or movement, providing feedback to the user through auditory, haptic, or visual alerts. The system may also include additional components, such as a display or communication module, to enhance user interaction and data transmission. The waist-worn design ensures stability and comfort, allowing continuous monitoring during daily activities. The system may further incorporate machine learning algorithms to adapt to the user's habits and provide personalized recommendations for posture correction or movement improvement. This technology addresses the problem of poor posture and inefficient movement, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and reduced physical performance. By offering real-time feedback and adaptive guidance, the system helps users maintain proper posture and movement habits, improving overall health and well-being.
8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the PM transmission fiber section is routed between the remote control unit and the head-worn unit.
A system for optical communication involves a photonic mixing (PM) transmission fiber section that is routed between a remote control unit and a head-worn unit. The remote control unit generates and processes optical signals, while the head-worn unit includes a display or sensor for user interaction. The PM transmission fiber section facilitates high-speed, low-latency data transmission between these components, enabling real-time communication. The system may also include optical signal conditioning components, such as amplifiers or modulators, to ensure signal integrity over the fiber link. This configuration is particularly useful in applications requiring compact, lightweight, and high-performance optical data transmission, such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) devices. The routing of the PM fiber section between the remote control unit and the head-worn unit minimizes signal loss and interference, improving overall system performance. The system may further incorporate error correction or synchronization mechanisms to maintain reliable data transfer. This design addresses challenges in wireless or wired communication, such as latency, bandwidth limitations, and power consumption, by leveraging optical fiber technology for efficient data transmission.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of the non-PM scanning fiber section is entirely affixed within the mechanical scanning drive assembly.
A system for optical scanning involves a non-piezoelectric (non-PM) scanning fiber section integrated with a mechanical scanning drive assembly. The proximal end of this fiber section is fully secured within the drive assembly, ensuring precise control and stability during operation. The system addresses challenges in optical scanning where traditional piezoelectric mechanisms may introduce limitations in speed, precision, or durability. By using a non-PM fiber section, the system avoids the need for piezoelectric actuators, reducing complexity and potential failure points. The mechanical drive assembly provides the necessary motion to direct the fiber, enabling high-resolution scanning for applications such as imaging, sensing, or laser processing. The fixed attachment of the proximal end ensures consistent performance by minimizing vibrations and misalignment. This design enhances reliability and accuracy in optical scanning systems, particularly in environments requiring robust and precise fiber movement. The system may be part of a larger apparatus, such as a microscope or laser system, where controlled fiber scanning is essential for capturing or manipulating optical signals.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical scanning drive assembly comprises a piezoelectric element in which the non-PM scanning fiber section is mounted.
A system for precise mechanical scanning of optical fibers includes a scanning drive assembly that incorporates a piezoelectric element. The assembly is designed to manipulate a non-permanent magnet (PM) scanning fiber section, enabling controlled movement for applications such as imaging, sensing, or laser scanning. The piezoelectric element provides high-resolution positioning by converting electrical signals into mechanical displacement, allowing fine adjustments of the fiber's orientation or position. This design eliminates the need for traditional magnetic actuation, reducing system complexity and improving response times. The system may also include additional components such as a fiber holder, alignment mechanisms, and control electronics to ensure accurate and repeatable scanning performance. The piezoelectric-driven approach enhances precision and reliability in applications requiring rapid, high-accuracy fiber movement, such as medical imaging, industrial inspection, or telecommunications. The absence of permanent magnets simplifies the system's construction while maintaining or improving performance metrics like speed and stability.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the display is configured for being positioned in front of the eyes of the end user.
A head-mounted display system provides an immersive visual experience by positioning a display directly in front of the user's eyes. The system includes a display unit that generates visual content, such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) imagery, and presents it to the user in a way that aligns with their field of view. The display is designed to be worn on the head, ensuring stability and comfort while maintaining precise alignment with the user's eyes. This configuration enables high-resolution, wide-field-of-view visuals with minimal distortion, enhancing immersion and reducing eye strain. The system may also incorporate sensors or tracking mechanisms to adjust the display's position dynamically, ensuring optimal viewing conditions as the user moves. By placing the display in front of the eyes, the system eliminates the need for external screens, making it ideal for applications in gaming, training simulations, medical visualization, and industrial design. The design prioritizes ergonomics, ensuring the display remains lightweight and adjustable to accommodate different users. Additionally, the system may integrate with other components, such as audio devices or motion controllers, to create a fully immersive experience. The primary advantage of this configuration is its ability to deliver high-quality visual content directly to the user's eyes, enhancing engagement and realism in virtual or augmented environments.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the display has a partially transparent display surface configured for being positioned in the field of view between the eyes of the end user and an ambient environment.
A system for augmented reality (AR) visualization includes a display with a partially transparent surface positioned in the field of view between a user's eyes and the ambient environment. The display overlays digital content onto the real-world view, enhancing situational awareness or providing interactive information. The transparent display allows the user to see through it while simultaneously viewing digital elements, such as text, graphics, or virtual objects, superimposed on the real-world scene. This configuration enables hands-free interaction with digital content without obstructing the user's view of the surrounding environment. The system may include sensors or cameras to track the user's gaze or head movements, adjusting the displayed content dynamically based on the user's perspective. The transparent display can be integrated into wearable devices, such as smart glasses or head-mounted displays, for applications in navigation, training, gaming, or industrial tasks. The system enhances user experience by blending digital and physical worlds seamlessly, improving efficiency and reducing cognitive load in tasks requiring real-time information overlay.
13. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a frame structure configured for being worn by the end user, the frame structure carrying the display and the mechanical scanning drive assembly.
A wearable display system provides augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) experiences by projecting images directly onto a user's retina. The system includes a compact display module that generates high-resolution visual content and a mechanical scanning drive assembly that directs the light from the display into the user's eyes. The scanning drive assembly uses micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) or other precise actuators to rapidly steer the light beam, creating a full-field image. This approach eliminates the need for bulky optics, reducing the overall size and weight of the device. The system also includes a frame structure designed to be worn by the end user, securely mounting the display and scanning drive assembly in front of the user's eyes. The frame ensures proper alignment and stability, allowing for comfortable, hands-free operation. The system may also incorporate eye-tracking sensors to adjust the displayed content based on the user's gaze, enhancing immersion and interactivity. This technology addresses the limitations of traditional AR/VR headsets by providing a lightweight, high-performance solution for immersive visual experiences.
14. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: a memory storing a three-dimensional scene; and a control subsystem configured for rendering a plurality of synthetic image frames of the three-dimensional scene, wherein the display subsystem is configured for sequentially displaying the plurality of image frames to the end user.
A system for rendering and displaying three-dimensional (3D) scenes includes a memory storing a 3D scene and a control subsystem that generates multiple synthetic image frames of the scene. The system also includes a display subsystem that sequentially presents these frames to an end user, creating a dynamic visual representation of the 3D environment. The control subsystem processes the 3D scene data to produce the frames, which may involve techniques such as ray tracing, rasterization, or other rendering methods to simulate lighting, textures, and spatial relationships. The display subsystem ensures smooth, sequential presentation of the frames, enabling real-time or near-real-time visualization of the 3D scene. This system is useful in applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, gaming, simulation, and architectural visualization, where immersive or interactive 3D environments are required. The invention addresses the need for efficient rendering and display of complex 3D scenes, improving visual fidelity and user experience.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the control subsystem comprises a graphics processing unit (GPU).
A system for real-time data processing and visualization includes a control subsystem with a graphics processing unit (GPU) to enhance computational efficiency. The system is designed to handle large-scale data streams, such as those generated in scientific simulations, financial modeling, or real-time analytics, where traditional central processing units (CPUs) may struggle with performance bottlenecks. The GPU accelerates parallel processing tasks, enabling faster rendering, data transformation, and algorithm execution. The control subsystem integrates the GPU with other components, such as memory modules and input/output interfaces, to optimize data flow and reduce latency. This architecture allows the system to process and visualize complex datasets in real time, improving decision-making in applications like medical imaging, autonomous systems, and high-frequency trading. The GPU's parallel processing capabilities are particularly useful for tasks like matrix operations, image rendering, and machine learning inference, which are common in modern data-intensive applications. By leveraging the GPU, the system achieves higher throughput and lower power consumption compared to CPU-only solutions, making it suitable for environments where both performance and efficiency are critical.
Unknown
March 10, 2020
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